CB DeAndrade a key on promising UNH defense

DURHAM — University of New Hampshire football coach Sean McDonnell called it a "great teaching tool."

Al Pike

DURHAM — University of New Hampshire football coach Sean McDonnell called it a "great teaching tool."

He was referring to a play made by Casey DeAndrade, whose hustle turned a certain touchdown into the defensive highlight of last Thursday's intra-squad scrimmage at Cowell Stadium.

Beaten on a sideline pattern by Kyon Taylor, the sophomore cornerback chased and caught the sophomore wideout from behind at the 1-yard line, knocked the ball loose and recovered the fumble in the end zone for a touchback.

"I got beat and Coach Mac and Coach (John) Lyons harp on not giving up on a play," DeAndrade said. "No loafs. Run to the ball is our key on defense. I just ran to the ball and got it out."

"That's something we talk about all the time — straining and playing the game to the end," McDonnell said.

It was one of five turnovers the defense forced during a controlled scrimmage in which it also surrendered 45 points. The Wildcats came up with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

"We definitely got better as time went on," DeAndrade said. "I don't think we played as well as we could have. ... We've just got to get better every day. I think we have been getting better, but today was a little setback."

The athletic DeAndrade is one of eight starters back from a unit that had to regroup early last season and played a vital role in the Wildcats' resurgence after a 1-3 start.

They bottomed out in a 44-28 loss at Towson, which put up 731 yards of total offense, a disappointing performance that prompted McDonnell to change the routine.

"Last year after the Towson loss Coach Mac talked about it," DeAndrade said. "We came in that Sunday and took it one day at a time. I think that's what we're trying to harp on this year. Take it one day at a time, one practice at a time, one game at a time."

DeAndrade, who led the team with 20 pass breakups last season and was second in interceptions with three, is one of the returning guys. The entire secondary is back with the exception of strong safety Manny Asam, last year's emotional leader.

Senior Tre Williams and junior Danny Rowe are competing for the starter's position, although both will likely get reps.

Linebackers Shane McNeely and Akil Anderson return as does Matt Kaplan, who anchors the defensive line.

"Mattie Kaplan is so ingrained in doing the little things well," McDonnell said. "Just how hard he plays it's easy for us as coaches to stop the film and show somebody how you want them to do something."

Anderson led the Wildcats in tackles last year (124) with McNeely second (120). They combined for 28 tackles for a loss. Sophomore DeVaughn Chollette should also get plenty of snaps at linebacker as he did last season.

Kaplan tied for the team lead in sacks (6.5) with end Cody Muller, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility after missing his sophomore season because of illness.

"We return a lot of guys," said Muller, a co-captain. "We have some key pieces that we need to fill in. We can't be satisfied. We've got to be hungry. We need to see who can step in and fill the void."

Converted tight end Brian Ciccone and Robbie Zauck, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, will likely see time at defensive end.

Following the Towson loss last year, the Wildcats held seven of their next eight opponents to 20 points or fewer.

"I want them to keep building on last year," McDonnell said, "playing fast and with a high energy, and get the ball out when they can."

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